T-Siders triumph but more toil for Torrington

The Peninsula League season is moving in opposite directions for North Devon clubs Torridgeside and Torrington.

While the T-Siders have found some impressive rhythm in league and cup, Torrington have endured a desperate run of ten straight defeats, the latest of which was a 5-0 reverse at home to Penzance in the Walter C Parson League Cup.

In the same competition, Torridgeside backed up their improved league form with a controlled 2-0 victory over Bovey Tracey, Josh Parsons and George Shapland scoring the goals to earn a home tie against Liskeard Athletic in the next round.

The club also made special mention to 16 year-old Alex Pitt, who is already making an impression in the adult game, providing a superb assist on a happy day at Donnacroft.

Holsworthy faced a tough home draw against a Cullompton Rangers side flying high in the Peninsula East division. The Magpies started well and led Cully 2-1 at one stage but the visitors fought back for a 3-2 victory to book a trip to Bishops Lydeard in the next round.

North Devon clubs are well accustomed to long trips in Peninsula football but spare a thought for South Devon outfit Stoke Gabriel & Torbay Police, who produced a major upset in the furthest corner of Cornwall to beat high-flying Wendron United 2-1 in the cup.

Stoke’s prize for this triumph: an even longer journey to Penzance in the next round.

Full draw for the Peninsula League Cup
Newquay v Bridport
Bodmin / Teignmouth v Okehampton
Torridgeside v Liskeard
Elburton v Newton Abbot Spurs
Bishops Lydeard v Cullompton
Sticker v Honiton
Crediton v Wadebridge
Penzance v Stoke Gabriel

Barnstaple Town returned to winning ways in the Jewson Western League, goals from Lee Gardiner, Josh Parry and Joe Grigg securing a 3-0 victory at Saltash United to move Barum back up to third behind leaders Brixham and Clevedon.

After a goalless first period, Gardiner opened the scoring for Barum and that was followed up by a delightful finish from Parry, profiting from excellent approach play on the right flank. Man of the match Grigg sealed the points with a sublime goal.

Ilfracombe Town are closing on the mid-table pack after a superb 1-0 victory over in-form Oldland Abbotonians. There was nothing between the sides in a tight first half but the Bluebirds gradually took control and got their reward with a winner from Sam Townend on 84 minutes.